- +86 156 2890 5877
- info@sleochem.com
Detergent thickeners, including HEC, MHEC, HPMC, sodium chloride, potassium nitro, and others, are used to enhance the viscosity and texture of detergents, improving their overall perception. These thickeners serve as detergent additives.
During the cleaning process, these additives help boost the detergent's effectiveness by improving its performance or allowing for the reduction of surface-active agent usage. Detergent thickeners are a key component in detergent formulations. Other common additives include bleach, zeolite, and various thickeners, each contributing to the product's efficiency and performance.
- HEC (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose)
- MHEC (Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose)
- HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose)
- Sodium Chloride
- Potassium Nitride
- Glauconite
All water-soluble cellulose ethers, including those listed above, can be used as thickening agents in products like face masks, laundry detergents, and shampoos. Among these, HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose) stands out as a nonionic cellulose ether and is considered one of the most effective thickeners for detergents.
HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose), also known as daily chemical-grade hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, is commonly used in a variety of personal care and cleaning products such as detergents, soaps, shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, toothpaste, and lotions.
As a detergent thickener, HPMC is a widely used additive that improves the viscosity of the product and enhances the stability of bubbles, providing users with a more pleasant and effective experience. The advantages of using HPMC in detergents include:
1. Cold and Heat Resistance: The viscosity of detergents containing HPMC remains stable, regardless of temperature changes.
2. Electrolyte Resistance: HPMC dissolves effectively within a pH range of 3-11, ensuring stability across various conditions.
3. Improved Fluidity: HPMC enhances the smoothness of the cleaning process, contributing to a more efficient and skin-friendly cleaning experience.
In addition to being a thickening agent, HPMC also functions as an anti-reprecipitating agent in detergents. The cleaning action of a detergent relies on its ability to penetrate and interact with dirt, causing it to detach. The dirt (such as oils and solid particles) is then emulsified and dispersed in the solution. HPMC, with its negative charge, can adsorb and help remove dirt by increasing electrostatic repulsion. This effect ensures that the dirt remains suspended in the water, preventing it from re-settling.
However, the quality of a detergent is not solely determined by its viscosity, but by the active ingredients, particularly the surfactants. Surfactants and auxiliaries are the key chemical components in detergents. The role of auxiliaries is to enhance the effectiveness of the surfactants, allowing for a reduction in the amount of surfactant needed to achieve superior cleaning performance.
Many detergent manufacturers focus on achieving high transparency and rapid dissolution rates. A transparency level of at least 95% is commonly required to ensure the product’s appearance is not affected, making it more appealing to consumers.
Detergents containing HPMC are generally considered to have low to mild toxicity. To date, there is no research that links HPMC, when used as a detergent thickener, to any cancer risks.
However, some consumers have expressed concerns or experienced adverse reactions, such as skin allergies, rashes, or stomach discomfort. For instance, eating bread containing HPMC may cause stomach bloating, pain, or nausea. While these reactions may be related to HPMC, it is more likely that other factors are the true cause.
In the case of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in detergents, ingestion—especially by children—can lead to symptoms such as oral mucosa burns, nausea, stomach pain, or throat swelling.
When purchasing detergents, it is important to check the product's quality, including its production and expiration dates. Additionally, consumers should ensure the detergent appears uniform and free from precipitation or suspended particles.
